×

Argentina soars after earning first Women’s World Cup soccer point

Japan’s Risa Shimizu, left, and Argentina’s Estefania Banini challenge for the ball during a Women’s World Cup Group D game at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Monday. (AP photo)

PARIS — Argentina was absolutely giddy after earning its first ever point in Women’s World Cup competition with a draw against Japan in the opening round.

The Argentinian squad is ranked 37th in the world — three spots below the Thailand team routed 13-0 by the United States — and the team didn’t even qualify for the tournament in 2011 and 2015. Argentina came to France having been outscored 33-2 in six previous World Cup losses.

The South Americans are riding high from simply not losing to Japan as they next face a far more formidable opponent in England in a Group D game today at Stade Oceane in Le Havre.

“Naturally, it’s the beginning of the road. This has really changed the dynamic,” said coach Carlos Borrello. “It means everything, as a coach, as players, everyone in women’s football, and it well help in getting more support.”

“This is a very important success for us.”

England beat Scotland 2-1 in its opening game, and coach Phil Neville felt the Lionesses were flat and mediocre in the second half.

Neville said Thursday the “2-1 (final) did not reflect the game” and it was clear England’s players are taking Argentina seriously.

“I think everyone in this tournament is here on merit and we definitely do not underestimate any team,” said goalkeeper Karen Bardsley. “I think we’re very much prepared for anything that could happen. We have to treat it as if we are going to play a top nation. We have to be extremely respectful of what could potentially happen.”

Argentina is a longshot to get past England but its draw against Japan has done wonders for the women’s team that has struggled for attention in the shadow of the nation’s hugely popular men’s squad. Borello insisted Thursday that “Argentina is just one team, one team united,” and said his team dined with the men’s squad before departing for France.

He also suggested that the popularity for Argentina’s women’s team has exploded nationally, and that alone is a victory regardless of what happens against England.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today